If you're someone who likes to buy candles, you may have heard of phthalates. But what are they? Phthalates are a type of chemical that can be found in some candles, and they can pose a risk to your health. In this blog post, we'll take a look at what phthalates are, why they might be in your candles, and what the risks are with using them.
What are Phthalates?
Phthalates are a type of chemical that is used to make plastics and other products more flexible. They can also be used as fragrances in products like candles, air fresheners, and perfumes. When you burn a candle that contains phthalates, the chemicals can be released into the air.
Why are Phthalates in Candles?
The main reason why phthalates are used in candles is because they help the fragrance last longer. When you light a scented candle, the heat from the flame causes the wax to melt and release the fragrance into the air. The problem is that not all of the fragrance will be released at once. The molecules of the fragrance need time to break down so that they can be released into the air. This is where phthalates come in. By adding phthalates to candles, manufacturers are able to make the candles smell stronger for a longer period of time.
However, there is no regulation on how much phthalate can be used in candles, so it's possible that some candles have more of these chemicals than others.
What are the Risks with Using Phthalates?
There are some potential risks associated with using products that contain phthalates. One concern is that exposure to high levels of these chemicals may cause reproductive problems in both men and women. Additionally, some studies have shown links between exposure to phthalates and an increased risk for asthma and allergies.
While more research needs to be done on the long-term effects of exposure to phthalates, it's certainly something worth taking into consideration if you're someone who buys a lot of scented products like candles. To play it safe, you may want to look for candles that specifically say they do not contain any phthalates (Twig’s products are all phthalate-free!)
In conclusion, phthalates are a type of chemical that can be found in some scented products like candles. They help make the fragrance last longer, but there is some concern about their potential health effects. If you're concerned about using products with these chemicals, look for labels that say "phthalate-free."